Factors to Consider When Buying Dog Ear Cleaner

Several dog ear cleaner products are on the market, and you can find many recipes for homemade ear cleaning solutions online. Veterinary-approved ear cleaning products are the best option to ensure the product is effective and doesn’t cause irritation. Other factors to consider include the following:

• Purpose — Are you purchasing the product for regular ear cleaning, or does your dog have an ear infection that requires cleaning? For routine ear cleaning, a mild ear cleaner is ideal for removing dirt, wax, and pollen gently. If your dog has an ear infection, your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate cleaner based on the pathogen that is causing the problem.

• Ingredients — Read the label to check the active ingredients. Avoid products that contain alcohol or hydrogen peroxide since these substances can damage sensitive ear tissue. Common active ingredients found in dog ear cleaning products include the following:

• Salicylic acid and lactic acid — These substances have antimicrobial properties and can help prevent yeast and bacteria from growing inside the ear.

• Ketoconazole — Ketoconazole is an antifungal agent used to treat yeast infections.

• Hydrocortisone — This mild steroid helps reduce irritation and itchiness.

• Aloe vera — Aloe vera can help naturally clean the ear and reduce inflammation and odor.

• Type — Dog ear cleaners include liquid products and chemically treated wipes. Wipes are easier to use and less messy than liquids, but they aren’t appropriate for deep cleaning.

• Scent — A mild scent can help mask unpleasant ear odor, but products with a pungent smell may bother your dog. 

Homemade ear cleaners often include harsh ingredients, such as peroxide or alcohol, which should not be used. Professional cleaning products are formulated to gently clean your dog’s ear and protect delicate ear structures. 

Steps to Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Ear cleaning is easier if you handle your dog’s ears when they are a puppy. This helps them get used to the process, so they more willingly accept the handling. The following is a step-by-step guide to cleaning your dog’s ears:

1. Assemble your supplies — Gather a towel, ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or gauze, and tasty dog treats.
2. Find a comfortable position — Place small breed dogs on an elevated surface and have them sit with their back facing you. Have large breed dogs sit on the floor between your legs with their back facing you. 
3. Hold your dog’s ear open — Grasp your dog’s ear flap gently but firmly and hold it vertically to straighten out and expose the ear canal.
4. Apply the ear cleaner — Fill your dog’s ear canal with the cleaning solution. Use an alcohol-soaked cotton ball or gauze pad to clean the bottle tip before and after applying the solution to prevent spreading bacteria or yeast.
5. Massage your dog’s ear — Continue to hold your dog’s ear flap vertically and gently massage their ear base for about 30 seconds to allow the cleaning solution to break up debris in the ear canal. 
6. Remove debris — Use a cotton ball or gauze to remove debris from your dog’s ear flap and upper ear canal. Only go as far as your finger can reach, and never use a cotton-tipped swab to avoid damaging your dog’s eardrum.
7. Let your dog shake their head — Allow your dog to shake their head so the remaining ear solution and debris inside the ear canal can exit. You may need to duck and cover for this step!
8. Remove debris — Remove any remaining debris with a cotton ball or gauze.
9. Dry the ear — Use a towel to dry your dog’s ear thoroughly.
10. Praise your dog — Praise your dog throughout the process, and provide treats once the ear is clean.
11. Repeat the process — Repeat the process on the other ear.